According to INARF’s national partner ANCOR, providing DSPs the opportunity to attend the DSP Leadership Academy – held in conjunction with the 2016 ANCOR Annual Conference: Get Smart, Get Inspired, Get It Done! from May 1 to May 3 – is excellent way to reward and inspire your outstanding Director Support Professionals. For only $75 and a short drive to Chicago, DSPs can attend powerful sessions that will challenge, inspire and prepare them to be leaders in your organization. ​

from innovative experts like Frank Pastizzo, Founder & CEO of Warm Up The Workplace, Inc., a national speaker and author who delivers powerful team building presentations, leadership coaching, and educational and entertaining performances to companies, association, leaders and direct service providers nationwide.

2. Learn what's new.

Learn about trends in supporting people with disabilities and best practices in the field, and have an opportunity to share how they have made a difference in the lives of the people they support.

3. Have thought-provoking discussions.

DSPs can discuss with their colleagues what it means to be a Direct Support Professional today — as well as what it will mean to future generations of persons served, their families, and allies. (For example, what does it mean to be a DSP as more and more people direct their own services?)

4. Share what they know.

When DSPs participate in interactive sessions, they have a chance to share information and insights on what disability service provider organizations need to be, do and become.

5. Hone their leadership skills.

The more knowledge DSPs have and the more connections they make, the better leaders they will be. The learning, the informal discussions with colleagues in the hallway, and the sudden insights will facilitate stronger leadership skills, which will help your organization provide even better supports.

6. Be recognized.

The conference will feature the 2016 DSP Recognition Awards (underwritten by Relias Learning). Every provider knows that the organization would not be successful without their DSPs' commitment, dedication to quality supports, and innovation in helping to enhance the lives of the people they support. It is through their work that the organizations earn kudos.

7. Find inspiration.

If your DSPs have never attended a DSP Leadership Academy, they've missed out on being surrounded by their colleagues from all over the country, which is a totally different kind of experience than their day-to-day interactions. Sharing a moment with other people who share the passion for their work will leave them inspired, and perhaps forever changed.

INARF encourages members to send Direct Support Professionals to the DSP Leadership Academy. DSPs can register themselves here or a group here. They will be required to create a login in order to register.

Additionally, ANCOR has announced that this year’s DSP Recognition Week will take place September 11 – 17. The Direct Support Professionals of Indiana (DSPIN) encourage INARF members to save the dates and start planning for DSP recognition and appreciation events. DSPIN will hold their 2016 Annual Conference that week on September 14. Additional details about the 2016 DSPIN Annual Conference will be posted as they become available. ​